TiO<sub>2</sub>/CuO Films Obtained by Citrate Precursor Method for Photocatalytic Application

Abstract

In the present work, the hybrid catalyst films of TiO 2 /CuO containing up to 10% in mol of copper were deposited onto glass surface. Precursor solutions were obtained by citrate precursor method. Films were porous and the average particle size was 20 nm determined by FEG-SEM analysis. The photocatalytic activities of these films were studied using Rhodamine B as a target compound in a fixed bed reactor developed in our laboratory and UV lamp. It was observed that the addition of copper to TiO 2 increased significantly its photocatalytic activity during the oxidation of Rhodamine B. The degradation exceeded 90% within 48 hours of irradiation compared to 38% when pure TiO 2 was used. Moreover, there was a reduction in the particles band gap energy when compared to that of pure TiO 2. These results indicate that the TiO 2 /CuO films are promising catalysts for the development of fixed bed reactors to be used to treat effluents containing azo dyes.

Development of a Low-Cost TiO2/CuO/Cu Solar Cell by using Combined Spraying and Electroplating Method

“…This indicates that the addition of impurity to the TiO 2 film using CuO particles enhanced the performance of the solar cells. These results are in accordance with Perazolli, et al [11]. They state that the combination of CuO and TiO 2 can broaden the absorption spectra of visible light [11], so that the solar cell is able to better absorb light.…”

“…These results are in accordance with Perazolli, et al [11]. They state that the combination of CuO and TiO 2 can broaden the absorption spectra of visible light [11], so that the solar cell is able to better absorb light. After illumination, electrons on the TiO 2 surface that have been excited will flow to the CuO particles that have a smaller bandgap.…”

Role of CuO in the modification of the photocatalytic water splitting behavior of TiO2 nanotube thin films

“…The TNT thin films were decorated with CuO nanoparticles (CuO-TNT) by dip coating using an adapted methodology [47]. The solution used for dip coating was prepared with copper nitrate hydrate (8.4 × 10 −3 mol L −1 of metal) as copper oxide precursor, citric acid and ethylene glycol in molar ratio of 1:4:16, respectively.…”

On the application of Ti/TiO 2 /CuO n-p junction semiconductor: A case study of electrolyte, temperature and potential influence on CO 2 reduction

“…The p-n Ti/TiO 2 /CuO semiconductor was prepared using titanium isopropoxide and dibasic copper carbonate as precursors of TiO 2 and CuO, respectively [35]. Both solutions were prepared with 8.4 Â 10 À2 mol L À1 of metal.…”